UNIT 5: Human Biocultural and Social Evolution
Table of Contents
Introduction
3
Essential Questions
4
Learning Targets
4
Lesson 1: Biological Evolution of Man
5
Starting Out
5
Learn about It!
6
History Maker
11
Check Your Understanding
Putting Value
Lesson 2: Cultural Evolution of Man
12
13
14
Starting Out
14
Learn about It!
15
History Maker
19
Check Your Understanding
Putting Value
Lesson 3: Sociopolitical Evolution of Man
20
21
21
Starting Out
21
Learn about It!
22
History Maker
30
Check Your Understanding
Putting Value
30
31
Lesson 4: Importance of Artifacts in Interpreting Social, Cultural, Political,
and Economic Processes
Starting Out
32
32
1
Learn about It!
33
History Maker
37
Check Your Understanding
Putting Value
Lesson 5: Sites of Biocultural and Social Evolution
38
39
39
Starting Out
39
Learn about It!
40
History Maker
43
Check Your Understanding
Putting Value
44
45
Real-world Challenge
46
Society and I: Self- Check
48
Wrap Up
49
Bibliography
51
Answers to Check Your Understanding
51
Glossary
53
2
GRADE 11/12 |Understanding Culture, Society and Politics
UNIT 5
Human Biocultural and Social Evolution
The development of the human person did not occur overnight. It took thousands of years for the human
species to develop. The skills, characteristics, culture, and society that we have at present are products of
countless years of evolutionary development.
Fig. 1. Human evolution
Accessed March 1, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/nature-walking-animal-strong-4075/
If we look back at human development, we would realize that each portion of our personhood has been
subjected to different societal and environmental pressures. Throughout our biological past, environmental
forces have caused our ancestors to develop new means to survive, eventually leading to the acquisition of
human characteristics such as bipedalism and brain development.
3
In this unit, we are going to tackle different periods of human development in the biological, cultural, and
sociopolitical perspectives. To guide you in this unit, take note of the following questions:
•
•
•
•
•
Learning Targets
In this unit, you should be able to:
•
trace the biological and cultural evolution of early to modern humans;
•
explore the significance of human material remains and artefactual evidence in interpreting cultural
and social, including political and economic, processes; and
•
recognize national, local, and specialized museums, and archaeological and historical sites as venues
to appreciate and reflect on the complexities of biocultural and social evolution as part of being and
becoming human.
4
Lesson 1: Biological Evolution of Man
In what ways are the early humans physically different from us?
Starting Out
Picture yourself living two million years ago when societies were not established yet and humans have not
developed into their modern biological states. During these primitive times, survival requires effort—early
humans competed with different wildlife; food could only be accessed through using a definitive skill set for
survival; and fire was not exactly easily available. In addition, early humans themselves were only limited by
their survival skills.
Fig. 2. Biological evolution of humans
Accessed March 1, 2018. https://pixabay.com/en/evolution-planet-ecology-nature-2305142/
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Looking at the above image, you could see how humans physically transformed through a long biological
period. Knowing that primitive humans were different from modern humans in terms of their physical and
biological features, what processes and environmental events influenced primitive human beings to
transform into the humans we know today?
Learn about It!
Human biological evolution has already come a long way. However, according to scientists of the natural
sciences, our evolutionary process has not ended yet. This would mean that, as the world changes, humanity
continues to evolve too.
The Meaning and Significance of Human Biological Evolution
Evolution is the process of developing physical and biological change in a species over a period of time. Natural
changes and events forced species to adapt to the environment, while some faced extinction for being unable
to do so. In this case, modern humans, belonging to the genus Homo, are considered byproducts of events
and processes that occurred in the past.
Human evolution, however, must not be seen as a linear process. Scientists argued that human evolution
developed much like the branches of a tree wherein each branch extends into smaller, more specific stems. It
just so happened that among all stems, only one evolutionary profile—the current human being—was able
to adapt and further develop.
Perhaps the most well-known theory on human biological development is Charles Darwin’s Theory of
Evolution that proposed that the current human race spurred from a line of primates that evolved through
“survival of the fittest,” wherein primitive species competed among each other for survival. This would imply
that only the most capable species could survive the evolution.
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Transition from Early to Modern Humans
The biological transition of humans from its earliest state to its current physical and biological makeup took
millions of years to complete. Despite this, scientists, through the help of archaeological evidence and modern
technology, were able to identify and distinguish distinct transitional stages of human evolution. These stages
are described below.
Transition Stage: Homo habilis
Period of Existence: 2.5 – 1.4 million years ago Distinct Features:
• Developed bipedalism or the ability to walk upright.
• Brain size was estimated to be 35% larger than the Australopithecus africanus.
• Had smaller teeth compared to australopithecines.
• Diet included a variety of plants and meat.
Fig. 3. Homo habilis
The Homo habilis was one of the earliest species of the genus Homo. It had more distinct human features
than the Australopithecines, an earlier classification of hominins. Despite significant human features, the
Homo habilis still bore apelike features. It was given the nickname “handy man” upon its discovery in 1960
because it was believed to be one of the first users of stone tools.
Transition Stage: Homo erectus
Period of Existence: 1.9 million years ago Distinct Features:
•
Further enhanced bipedal activities.
•
Characterized by strong muscles at the back of the neck, shallow
forehead, and elongated brain case.
•
Diet included an increased consumption of meat.
Fig. 4. Homo erectus
The Homo erectus was believed to have lived in Africa and parts of Europe or Asia. While the Homo habilis
was already able to stand on two feet (bipedalism), the full development of the activity peaked through the
Homo erectus, thus gaining the nickname “the upright man.” The Homo erectus is credited as the species that
learned how to control fire. Fossil remains of the species found in Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and
Europe suggest that the Homo erectus became extinct some 200,000 years ago.
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Transition Stage: Homo sapiens
Period of Existence: 400,000 years ago to present Distinct Features:
•
Average brain capacity of 82 cubic inches.
•
Characterized by high forehead, small teeth and jaw, and defined
chin.
•
Constructed and used tools for survival.
•
Developed a symbolic communication system.
The Homo sapiens is the species where all present human beings belong. The name was coined from Carolus
Linnaeus’ extensive studies on taxonomy. Based on Linnaeus’ studies on fossils presumed to be of the Homo
sapiens, the species physical developments were closer to the biological characteristics of current humans
than of apes. As such, it was given the nickname “the wise man” by anthropologists.
The Significance of Artefactual Evidence in Understanding Evolution
Artefactual evidence is the only source of knowledge in understanding the lifestyle and the developments
that occurred in each transitional stage of human evolution. Early human species were discovered through
fossils which are remains hardened in rock. Scientists study the structure, shape, and development of skeletal
properties including head shape and teeth to determine biological differences across early to modern species.
Artefactual evidence can also include tools that are used for hunting and gathering, or symbolic writing found
in caves. As mentioned previously, these were used by the Homo erectus, though scientists are still hoping to
find further evolutionary data on other species.
Below are some authentic examples of artefactual evidence that greatly contributed to understanding human
evolution:
•
An antelope leg bone with cut marks was recently discovered in Africa. This prehistoric tool served as
evidence for early hunting practices and carnivorous diet among early stone-tool making humans, the
Oldowan hominin.
•
A cave discovered in South Africa filled with carbonized leaves and grasses made archaeologists
believe that cooking food was practiced by early humans.
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Appreciating the Past through the Present
It is important for modern humans to learn about their origins and developments. Nowadays, technological
advances have made delving into the past more accessible. Interactive and national museums, for example,
make a great venue for learning more about the prehistoric past. The great biological evolution that the
human species has been through was complex and developmental. As human beings, we are called to
understand and appreciate these advances.
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10
–
11
Check Your Understanding
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.
1. The process of developing physical and biological change in a species over a period of time is called
_______________________.
2. The taxonomy of species was influenced by the findings of _______________________.
3. The nickname “the upright man” is given to the species _______________________.
4. Prior to the development of the genus Homo, the earlier form of humans was called
_______________________.
5. Charles Darwin’s most significant and iconic work is entitled _______________________.
B. Were there recorded species of early humans in the Philippines? Discuss your claim.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
C. Research on each transitional stage of human biological evolution. In the table below, provide more
information about their survival activities and biological development. Also, cite the details of the
archaeological discoveries of their fossils.
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Species
Survival Activities
Biological
Archaeological
Development
Discoveries
Homo habilis
Homo erectus
Homo sapiens
Putting Value
Visit the National Museum or any museum near your area of residence. Immerse yourself in the
archaeological findings featured in the museum. Since the museum has several sections, it is highly
recommended that you devote time to visit each area. Note the differences in biological makeup and lifestyle
of the different human species.
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Lesson 2: Cultural Evolution of Man
How did humans come to using modern tools from primitive ones?
Starting Out
Look around you. Could you identify tools that are available to you at the moment? What are these tools?
What are they used for? How did you classify them as tools?
Fig. 8. Tools
Accessed March 3, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/background-blank-business-craft-301703/
Tools could be found all around us. The development of tools and their uses are also important parts of our
evolutionary history. As such, the tools that were developed in the past tell us a story: they tell how
societies evolved, what living practices emerged, and what cultural forces influenced changes in society and
human development.
In this lesson, we are going to give focus on the cultural evolution of man. We will be learning about the
lifestyle of humans in the past and how these shaped our present cultural characteristics.
14
Learn about It!
The Meaning of Cultural Evolution
Cultural evolution is learned behavior passed on from one generation to another. In understanding cultural
evolution, we could associate tools and artifacts that the early humans used. Understanding these tools and
their development could also make us understand human lifestyle in the early hominin periods. For instance,
knowing that primitive human species shifted from the use of stone tools to the use of metal tools imply that
there has also been a paradigm shift in social lifestyle. The early humans learned new skills that enabled them
to come up with ways that made life easier.
However, like any other form of evolution, the development of culture took a long time to progress. Before
primitive humans could get their hands on metal tools and make one themselves, they first learned about
less-advanced forms of materials. These also limited their day-to-day activities. Let us look at important
periods of history that shaped culture.
Period
Time Period
Highlights
•
Included the Oldowan hominins who used
flakes and stones.
Lower Paleolithic
•
Earliest stone tools were developed by the
Homo habilis.
•
The development of Acheulian tools (such as
hand ax) took place during the time of the
Homo Erectus.
3 million years ago
15
Middle Paleolithic
•
There were more developed stone tools.
•
Homo neanderthalensis were prominent
users of stone tools.
120,000 years ago
•
The period is characterized by Mousterian
tools that are known for their sharp edges.
•
Tools were decorated with more intrinsic
designs.
Upper Paleolithic
•
This period is associated with the emergence
of Cro-Magnon Homo sapiens.
•
Tools included sticks, sharp blades, harpoons,
and spearheads made with the ‘punch blade’
technique.
•
Smaller and finer tools were used. Blades
were incorporated in wood or bone.
35,000 years ago
•
Mesolithic
12,000 years ago
•
There was evidence of trading between
groups to gather materials for tools.
•
This period was characterized by the
domestication of crops.
Neolithic
•
The period cemented trading practices and
opened new doors for the development of
new tools.
•
This period officially ended huntinggathering
practices.
10,000 years ago
Analyzing the time periods specified above, you notice that cultural development started out with simpler
tools such as flakes and stones; however, as time progressed, primitive humans learned the skills to create
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tools from their environment. Moreover, it should also be pointed out that human interaction and interactive
processes also took major leaps towards the start of the Neolithic period. For instance, the emergence of cave
paintings and carvings during the Upper Paleolithic era, made possible by the development of finer stone
tools to facilitate such activity, already implied a system of communication in primitive societies. This took a
big leap when groups already started trading materials to develop better tools.
The advent of the Neolithic revolution also paved the way for the emergence of new tools, not just for hunting
or gathering, but for agriculture. Since primitive human species learned to settle in a single area as well as to
plant crops and rice, they also needed to develop new tools and skills for the process. These discoveries and
new activities led the early Homo sapiens to further enhance their system of communication and trade with
other groups.
Cooperation in Cultural Evolution
Hunting and gathering is a social process. This would mean that to successfully gather enough food and
commodities for the group, the early humans would have to cooperate with each other in sourcing out their
needs the best way possible. Archaeologists theorized that primitive humans probably gathered the remains
of dead animals to survive; however, as time passed, and new adaptations developed, humans found that
cooperation is needed for survival.
Division of labor became a prominent means of survival. Males and females both had roles to take. Remember
that during prehistoric society, encountering animals were more dangerous. The early humans could instantly
be killed if they do not strategize ways to avoid harm. Through division of labor, the males were assigned to
hunt for food. Meanwhile, the females foraged for plant and fruits.
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All the food that was hunted and collected were shared through the camp. The camp is a place where all
members of the group gather and share their resources. In some cases, males would go out hunting for
days. While waiting, female members scoured for plants to eat around the vicinity. Having learned the value
of cooperation, males and females also realized that they needed to depend on each other for survival. It
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was realized, therefore, that the existence of both sexes was not purely for reproductive purposes but also
for practical reasons.
–
19
Check Your Understanding
A. Matching type.
B.
1. Lower Paleolithic Period
a. Smaller and finer tools
2. Middle Paleolithic Period
b. Use of Mousterian tools
3. Upper Paleolithic Period
c. Domestication of plants
4. Mesolithic Period
d. Sticks, sharp blades, and harpoons
5. Neolithic Revolution
e. Use of Oldowan tools
In your perspective, in which period of cultural development was the foundation of modern culture laid
out?
________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
C.
Differentiate the characteristics of Oldowan, Acheulian, and Mousterian tools.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
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Putting Value
Search for online journals or articles that detail primitive tools that were used and developed by man. Create
a timeline detailing significant events in the cultural evolutionary process. You could choose to work in pairs
or in groups of three.
Lesson 3: Sociopolitical Evolution of Man
What are the key events that shaped sociopolitical evolution?
Starting Out
How do you imagine government operations thousands of years ago? Do you presume political organizations
to be as organized as our government systems at present? Probably not. Prehistoric societies, in fact, started
out without any form of sociopolitical system. The human species are just co-existing to survive.
Fig. 11. Our world is shaped by various sociopolitical processes
Accessed March 3, 2018. https://pixabay.com/en/person silhouettes-human-2829500/
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However, upon the advent of new social systems, development and innovation of tools, and biological
developments, the human species realized the importance of a social system. As such, progress in the field of
politics began to emerge in unison with the development of societies.
In this lesson, we will tackle the rise of sociopolitical systems and the major events in history that shaped their
development.
Learn about It!
From a hunting-gathering lifestyle to a Neolithic society, major changes took place in terms of the socioeconomic areas of early human life. Despite this drastic development, human lifestyle continued to develop
into more organized socio-economic and political systems.
Neolithic Revolution
Early lifestyles have greatly been influenced by nature. As such, developments in human life also occurred
with the influence of the natural environment.
The Paleolithic period involved humans as hunter-gatherers in society. They are nomadic people who transfer
from one area to another to hunt animals or gather plants for consumption and survival. This has been the
practice until around 12,000 B.C. when humans started to domesticate animals and crops. This era of a
newfound lifestyle is called the Neolithic Revolution.
From being hunter-gatherers or nomads, people became farmers through domestication, the process of
increasing human control in breeding animals or plants to regulate certain traits that will make them useful
for other human needs. The domestication of animals and plants implied that humans stay in a permanent
area to enable their resources to grow and expand. Some plants and animals utilized for domestication include
wheat, barley, corn, nuts, cattle, goats, and sheep.
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One of the first Neolithic societies recorded in existence was Mesopotamia, which is at present, the country
of Iraq. It was believed that it existed in the same period as other Neolithic societies in China, the Americas,
and Africa.
Implications of the Neolithic Revolution to the Evolutionary Process
The Neolithic revolution has facilitated an economic and societal shift that paved the way for further
developments in early human lifestyle. As such, advances in different aspects of human life started during this
era. Below are the implications of the Neolithic Revolution in social, economic, and human development.
1. Social Implications
•
The Neolithic revolution paved the way for the creation of civilization through permanent
settlements dictated by reliable food supply.
•
Development of domestication techniques and practices allowed for a more complex society and
the possibility for urbanization.
•
A form of social stratification was developed.
2. Economic Implications
•
Because of the domestication of crops and animals, an abundant supply of food and resources was
maintained.
•
Introduction of a selective breeding process of crops and animals that would allow for the
development of new species was developed.
3. Human Implications
•
There was an increase in human population and life span across civilizations.
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•
People learned to play different social roles apart from being farmers (e.g., craftsman, priests,
leader).
Evidence for the Existence of the Neolithic Revolution
Artefactual evidence proves the existence and success of the Neolithic revolution in influencing sociopolitical
development. Here are examples of pieces of evidence found to support the existence of this era:
•
Morphological changes among Neolithic people, including brain size and mandible, imply dietary
changes from solely eating plants to consumption of meat.
•
A subterranean structure in Syria was found to be built during the Neolithic revolution and served as
a communal storage facility.
Early Civilizations and the Rise of States
The Neolithic revolution, through the domestication of plants and animals, paved the way for the beginnings
of early civilizations like Mesopotamia.
The Rise of Civilizations
Civilizations began to develop during the Neolithic period when the early humans learned to settle in just one
area to domesticate plants and animals for survival. The first civilizations were found mostly in Asia,
particularly in China and Mesopotamia, now Iraq. The latter was part of the Fertile Crescent, an area in the
ancient Middle East that is believed to be “cradle of civilization” and the birthplace of agriculture,
urbanization, writing, trade, and science due to its fertile land area. This area was the site of the rivers Tigris
and Euphrates, which became important resources for the early civilizations.
During this period, civilizations were mainly agrarian societies that treated both genders equally as the
primary tasks only involved farming, domestication, and harvesting. Though this may be the case, social roles
began to emerge with some members of the community becoming priests or priestesses, laborers, and
farmers.
The Development of States
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In Mesopotamia, in the region of Sumer in 4000 BC, two important developments took place that influenced
the flow of the socio-political process of the early civilizations. These are: (1) the rise of states and (2) the
invention of writing. Historians believe that these developments occurred because of trade among different
regions. The early civilizations would have had some form of writing to document or record traces of their
products and trades.
During the Copper Age (5,900-3,200 BCE), the system of trade grew in prosperity leading to the development
of cities and changes in socio-political positions with some civilizations promoting a kingship to replace
priestly rule to be able to foresee the flow of trade and negotiations with other regions. This era led to
numerous developments such as the invention of the wheel and the transition from the use of stone tools to
copper tools.
In 3,000-2,119 BCE, during the early Bronze Age, copper instruments were replaced by bronze tools. Along
with this, the rise of city-states continued, thereby laying out a foundation for economic and political stability.
As a result, more empires, civilizations, and states began to rise and develop.
Implications of the Rise of Civilizations and States
The rise of civilizations and states have led to urbanization, economic focus, political power, and material
development. These changes have allowed both positive and negative implications that directly affected
future developments in the socio-political evolution of men.
Below are some implications of the rise of civilizations and states:
•
Warfare: Conflict and wars emerged among states as tensions grew among them.
Soon, professional armies and weaponry began to make their appearance.
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•
Metalwork: A vast development in metalwork occurred along with the rise of civilizations and states.
During this time, people began to discover various raw materials, such as iron, copper, and bronze for
making tools and weapons.
•
Political system: Because of economic factors such as trading, the leadership among city-states began
to be more organized and developed. With the kingship system replacing the priestly leaders, each
state had an executive branch that centralized decisions and communications with other states.
Artefactual evidence proves the existence and occurrences of early civilizations and states.
Here are some of the pieces of evidence found to support the existence of this era:
•
In 1922, archaeologist Sir Leonard Wooley discovered the remains of two four-wheeled wagons that
dated back to the Mesopotamian era.
•
Excavations in the 1840s revealed human settlements in Mesopotamia during 10,000
BCE.
Democratization
The rise of civilizations and city-states paved the way for new developments during the Copper and Bronze
Age. Now, we look at how those impacted the following periods and developments.
Occurrences and Influences Leading to a Democratic City-State
Agricultural developments in Asia and Africa eventually spread to the nearby civilizations of Greece and Rome.
Both Greeks and Romans adapted to the farming culture developed by the Mesopotamians, even following
the latter’s socio-political structure of kingship. Eventually, they engaged in trade as their resources highly
developed, thereby affecting socio-economic growth.
In Greece, societal status and groups began to develop with the King bearing the highest position in all Greek
city-states, followed by the aristocracy and noblemen, then the farmers. As wars were already occurring
among city-states, tensions also grew among social classes. Adding to that incident were the growing
ambitions of the Greek kings to transform themselves into palace-laden rulers just like their predecessors
from the Bronze Age. However, this need for power was not feasible since the primarily abundant metal
during the period was iron, a relatively cheaper metal compared to bronze. This implied that the king would
26
find it difficult to seek greater power, since the weaponry and machinery, primarily made of iron, were much
cheaper and can be afforded by practically anyone within the citystate.
In 750 BC, with high tensions and alarm over the intentions of the kings, the noblemen collectively acted on
ousting them, leading to a successful establishment of the first republics.
The Beginnings of Democratization
Since Greek kings were thrown off by the noblemen, city-states began to change the form of leadership into
an oligarchy where rulers were made up of aristocracies. However, because of inexpensive and accessible
weaponry, and the ongoing wars between city-states, even ordinary people like the farmers learned to arm
themselves and rebel against drastic changes.
Because an oligarchic government also ruled in favor of the noblemen and aristocracies, ordinary people also
used their collective power against an abusive government. In effect, city-states were now ruled by a tyrant,
a positive term for a Greek leader that meant “boss.” Tyrants became effective in ensuring fair treatment for
both land owners and farmers. For some time, peace and equality emerged among social classes. In the
second generation of tyrant rule, however, a son of a tyrant made some wrong and abusive decisions that led
to another revolution ousting the tyrant rule.
Because of this, intelligent leaders of Greek city-states proposed that power must account for the common
people. This led them to create a more broad-based constitution, eventually developing some democratic
city-states. It was in 594 BC1 when Solon gave Athens a new constitution. This event was considered as the
rise of democracy in Greece.
It should be noted, though, that not all Greek city-states followed this ruling, especially the poorer, more
backward areas. Still, the political change in Greece has influenced Roman forms of government. As such,
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democracy referred to a political and government system where members of the society are free to
participate in the decision-making processes of the state.
Significance and Implication of Democratization
The development of democracy led to changes that greatly impacted the ordinary people by reducing
inequality and promoting fair treatment for all. The beginnings of democratization in Greece laid out the
foundations for modern-day democracy. In addition, the establishment of a democratic government
promoted the development of culture and art that eventually distinguished the Greek and Roman civilizations
from other ancient civilizations.
Below are artefactual evidence of the artistic and cultural implications of democratization:
•
Greek literature began to emerge as the poet Homer created his epics, Iliad and Odyssey.
•
Stone temples that appeared as early as 600 BC were improved through classical Greek structures
upon the rise of democratization.
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–
29
A. Write the correct answer on the blank provided below.
1. It is a political system where rulers of a country or a government are made up
of the aristocracy.
2. It is an area in the ancient Middle East that is believed to be
“cradle
of
civilization” and the birthplace of agriculture, urbanization, trade, and science due to its fertile land area.
_________________ 3. It is the era in cultural evolution when people began to settle in specific areas to
domesticate plants and animals.
4. It is a positive terminology for a Greek leader that also translates to “boss.”
5. He started out the democratic political system in Greece.
B. The Philippines is a democratic country. Discuss how citizens of our country can participate in the decisionmaking process of the state.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
C. Compare the three major periods of sociopolitical evolution.
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Putting Value
The rise of democratization has led to numerous cultural and artistic reforms among Greeks and Romans. Try
to search videos or pictures of Greek and Roman Art. Compare them and cite their similarities and differences.
Lesson 4: Importance of Artifacts in Interpreting
Social, Cultural, Political, and
Economic Processes
How could artifacts help us understand our historic past?
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Starting Out
What is the most valuable possession you currently have? When did you obtain it? For some people, prized
possessions do not necessarily equate to high prices or limited-edition pieces. Some individuals would say
that their most valuable possessions are items that they have kept from their past and now serve as a
remembrance of their fond memories.
Fig. 13. Different clay pots
Accessed March 3, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/abstract-ancient-antique-area-243059/
Like these items, artefactual evidence may not necessarily be worth much, but they imply so much cultural
and historical meaning. For example, a simple piece of ceramic such as an ancient jar may be common, but
the meaning it holds and the era it was from makes it certainly more significant than some expensive modernday objects. In this lesson, we will learn about the importance of artifacts in understanding social, cultural,
political, and economic processes.
Learn about It!
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Archaeologists have discovered artefactual evidence even dating back to the earliest stages of human
evolution. As a result, present-day social and biological scientists were able to open a window to life in the
past. In this lesson, the significance and value of artifacts will be described and discussed.
The Significance of Artifacts
Artifacts are objects made or modified by humans in the past. They were recovered through archaeological
endeavor or by chance. Apart from serving as windows to the past, artifacts are also deemed significant
because they are tangible, authentic proof that a certain period in history occurred.
Artifacts have significant contributions in interpreting the social, cultural, political, and economic processes of
past periods. Their existence proves and describes these aspects thoroughly. The discovery of artifacts and
the understanding of various processes has provided a stable foundation for the socio-economic, political,
and cultural growth that humans have come to recognize today. Without artefactual evidence, no
development in any aspect of life would have occurred.
Here are some examples of how artifacts impacted sociopolitical, cultural, and economic processes.
Process
Impact
Economic
Archaeologists determined that cuneiform writing was
primarily developed for long-distance trade communications
and accounting income and losses during transactions.
Political
The Code of Hammurabi, dating back to around 3000 BC, was
discovered to contain 282 laws that were set for ancient
people to follow. Like today’s constitution, the Code became
the supreme law of Mesopotamia back then.
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In the Philippines, the Manunggul jar was believed to be the
vessel to transport the dead into the afterlife.
Cultural
Social
The artifact always contained on its lid a boat (balangay), a
boat driver, and the soul—three symbolic figures in the
journey towards nature and death.
In the Middle East, around 4000 years ago, nose piercing was
considered a status symbol wherein the size of the ring
depicted a family’s wealth. Those who have bigger nose rings
were considered wealthier.
All artifacts tell a story about the past. When they were first made, humans back then did not realize that the
objects they used in everyday life would make such an impact at present.
Importance of Artifact Preservation
While you may already understand what artifacts are, you might still be asking the question: why is it
important to preserve them? There are four main reasons why artifact preservation is important. Let us
discuss them one by one.
•
Artifacts are irreplaceable. Artifacts, being made hundreds, even thousands of years ago, are very
delicate objects that cannot be replaced by any available material at the present time. Artifacts carry
with them important cultural and historical meanings that no person in the present could bring back.
This is the reason why many museums around the world only display replicas of material culture
instead of the real ones.
•
Artifacts are keys to understanding the past. Practices that occurred in the past would not have been
known if not for the discovery of artifacts. For instance, the discovery of the bul-ol paved the way for
a clearer understanding of the pre-historic Philippine burial process.
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•
Artifacts give people a sense of identity. Artifacts describe culture and society. They provide people
with an opportunity to further understand their identities and heritage, as well as some collective
qualities that their culture may have.
•
The past has yet to be fully discovered. Despite the seemingly great successes archaeologists have
made in recent years, there is still more to discover about history. Treating artifacts like pieces of
puzzles will eventually provide a general picture of the past.
Many advances have already been made and discovered within this century. It is logical to treat these
discoveries as significant elements that can help shape the future. As such, the technologies and
developments that the world has today must also be well-preserved. These must be treated with certainty
that one day, these “artifacts” will be discovered and put into understanding by the future generations.
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Check Your Understanding
A. Identify each statement if it is True or False.
1. Artifacts carry with them important cultural and historical meanings that no person in the present
could bring back.
2. Practices that occurred in the past would not have been known if not for the discovery of artifacts.
3. Despite the seemingly great successes archaeologists have made in recent years, there is still more to
discover about history.
4. Archaeology is the study of personality, traits, and behavior that make up a person.
5. Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1923.
B.
As a student, what could you do to help preserve artifacts?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
C.
List down five examples of artifacts. Describe each.
1. _________________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________________________________________
Putting Value
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Create your own artifact by making a time capsule. Find a container that you can seal. In this container, put
anything you want that may have value to you. You may put in letters, pictures, or toys. Be sure to firmly seal
the container once you are done. Keep the container somewhere safe. Set a specific date in the future when
you’ll open your time capsule.
Lesson 5: Sites of Biocultural and Social Evolution
Where were artefactual and archaeological evidence of our prehistoric past discovered?
Starting Out
Picture yourself as an archaeologist who is currently undertaking field studies. You have already been in the
field for a few days studying the land where some form of a Mesolithic trading system was hypothesized to
take place. Suddenly, one of the staff called your attention for a startling discovery: animal fossils from millions
of years ago.
Fig. 16. Digging
Accessed March 4, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/agriculture-backyard-blur-close-up-296230/
Such a discovery was unexpected, but you also know that it will help you—as an archaeologist—to understand
even more about our cultural past. In your opinion, did your location play a role in acquiring your discovery?
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Learn about It!
According to archaeologists, fossils that were found to be originating from the prehistoric periods suggest that
early humans lived in Africa but also reached parts of South and Southeast Asia. In this lesson, we will focus
on the sites of biological and sociocultural evolution.
Africa
According to findings of archaeological research, the beginnings of human evolution originated from Africa.
According to the “Out of Africa” theory, a single line of human species existed. From the Australopithecines
down to the Homo sapiens, human evolution is a linear process. In particular, East Africa was the proposed
site where the human race began.
Because primitive humans started out as hunting and gathering societies, they always moved around looking
for food and survival. For tens of thousands of years, they did this process. The emergence of tools continued;
a new species of the genus Homo developed; and new skills were discovered. However, what remained
consistent was the practice of hunting and gathering.
Remember that a hunting and gathering society would require the early humans to continuously look for
places that could help them survive. For a few months, they would stay in one place, and when food supplies
run out, they move on to the next. This is the reason why the theory proposing African origins of humans is
called “Out of Africa.” The need for survival allowed the early humans to traverse different paths.
South Asia
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In recent years, artifacts dating back to the Lower Paleolithic Period were found in South India. This would
greatly suggest that primitive humans already reached South Asia more than a million years ago. This also
supports the “Out of Africa” theory. The discoveries suggest that due to hunting and gathering, primitive
humans moved eastward.
Acheulean tools were uncovered in Kortallaiyar river basin in Attirampakkam, India. About 3,500 stone
artifacts, consisting of cleavers, flakes, and hand axes were unearthed. To prove the authenticity of the
artifacts, two methods were used: paleomagnetic measurements and ‘isotopes in the grains decay’ method.
Artifacts were compared to each other using sediments analyzed through the two methods. Results suggested
that the artifacts were only 1.07 years apart. This would mean that all artifacts were of the same age and were
used during the same period of time, probably by the same group of humans.
Southeast Asia
Some paleoanthropologists also discredit claims that the early humans also went to Southeast Asia. While
supporters of the Southeast Asia migration claims are still making efforts to prove their point, it still became
a challenge because fossil records showed unclear features detailing the origins of the first Southeast Asian
human species.
With the help of further studies and archaeological milestones, however, paleoanthropologists were able to
discover that primitive Southeast Asian human species had unique features apart from their East Asian
counterparts, namely:
•
Shovel-shaped incisors
•
Broad nose and flattened nasal bones
•
Upward cheekbone orientation
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•
Broad face
In addition to these conclusions, fossil findings in excavations in Indonesia revealed that the Java man could
be likened to the Homo erectus species, further validating the claim that the early humans from Africa actually
travelled eastward.
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Check Your Understanding
A. Match the following with the terms/statements related to them in the right portion.
B.
1. Robert Ardrey
a. Java Man
2. Africa
b. “Out of Africa”
3. Southeast Asia
c. Beginning of human biological
evolution
4. India
d. paleoanthropology
5. Hunting and Gathering
e. South Asia
Do you agree with the “Out of Africa” theory? Explain your answer. Provide examples to support your
claim.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
C.
List three fossil discoveries in South and Southeast Asia. Describe each.
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
Putting Value
Research on archaeological findings in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Compare and contrast the two findings
by filling out the table below. Use additional sheets if necessary.
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Biological Characteristics
Cultural Characteristics
South Asia
Characteristics
Southeast Asia
Characteristics
Real-world Challenge
Divide the class into three groups. Read the GRASPS situation below and perform the following tasks. Make
sure to read the rubrics for the activity.
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Criteria
Beginning
Developing
(0-12 points)
(13-16 points)
Accomplished
(17-20 points)
Score
Content
(Focus on details are clearly
evident; it is clearly related to the
topic.)
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Organization
(Logical progression of details;
clear transitions between ideas.
Conventions
(mechanics, grammar and usage)
Creativity
(shows resourcefulness in
presentation and activities)
Audience Impact
(interesting presentation to get
the attention of students)
Team Work
(contributions from all members
to the fruition of the work)
Total Score:
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Society and I: Self-Check
Check
I can…
differentiate between the different evolutionary processes.
explain the different species of the human race.
discuss the importance of artefactual evidences in our history.
differentiate the periods of cultural evolution.
explain the significance of sociopolitical evolution in present society.
apply what I learned to my personal experiences.
Reflect
I find __________________________ the most interesting because ______________________.
I got ____ checks because _______________________________________________________.
I need to improve on _______________________because _____________________________.
I need to practice _________________________ because _____________________________.
I plan to _____________________________________________________________________ .
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Wrap Up
● Evolution is the process of developing physical and biological change in a species over a period of time.
● Natural changes and events forced species to adapt to the environment, while some faced extinction
for being unable to do so.
● Artifacts are objects made or modified by humans in the past. They are recovered after a long time
through archaeological endeavor or by chance.
● According to findings of archaeological research, the beginnings of human evolution originated from
Africa.
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Glossary
Artifacts – objects made or modified by humans in the past
Camp – place where all members of the group gather and share their resources
Cultural Evolution – learned behavior passed on from one generation to another
Democracy – a political system where members of the society are free to participate in the decision-making
practices of the state
Domestication – process of increasing human control in breeding animals or plants to regulate certain traits
that will make them useful for other human needs
Evolution – the process of developing physical and biological change in a species over a period of time
Fertile Crescent – an area in the ancient Middle East that is believed to be “cradle of civilization” and the
birthplace of agriculture, urbanization, writing, trade, and science due to its fertile land area
Fossils – remains hardened in rock
Neolithic Revolution – period when humans started to domesticate animals and crops
Oligarchy – rulers were made up of aristocracies
Paleolithic Period – involved humans as hunter-gatherers in society
Theory of Evolution – purposed that the current human race spurred from a line of primates that evolved
through “survival of the fittest”
Tyrant – a positive term for a Greek leader that meant “boss”
Homo erectus – believed to have lived in Africa and parts of Europe or Asia
Homo habilis – one of the earliest species from the genus Homo
Homo sapiens – species where all present human beings belong
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